Citation

Rao S, Pangoup AT, Dakota RJ, Ross-Reed D, Forster-Cox S. Violence Gend. 2019; 6(4): 235-237.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/vio.2019.0036

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons' experiences of violence continue to be inadequately addressed. We present secondary data analysis of violence experienced by 116 LGBTQ persons living in New Mexico. It adds to the limited information about the disconnect between the violence experienced by LGBTQ and the associated help-seeking behaviors. Between January 15, 2016 and March 31, 2016, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and Fierce Pride, an LGBTQ health advocacy organization, collected data through an online survey. Participants were recruited through word of mouth, e-mail lists, and social media posts.

FINDINGS indicated that 65 (55%) participants reported that someone had attempted to have sex with them without their consent. Fifty (43%) reported that someone had sex with them without their consent. Only 18 of 116 (16%) participants reported seeking help after being abused. A third of the participants, 41 of 116 (35%), reported they did not seek help, whereas 57 participants (49%) chose not to answer the question. Study findings suggest that violence poses a serious threat to LGBTQ people in New Mexico. They also suggest the need to develop and implement services centered on LGBTQ communities to reduce fear and stigma and create safe spaces in which people can seek help. Limitations include a small sample size of predominantly white/Caucasian participants that did not reflect the demographics of the state. Their experiences may not reflect those of LGBTQ people of color. Reliability and validity of the survey have not been established.

Language: en